A phased approach to cardiac arrest resuscitation involving ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

With the release of the 2010 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiac care, evidence regarding management of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest suggests a more fundamental approach. To aid in understanding and learning, this article proposes a method that optimizes the timing and delivery of evidence-proven therapies with a 3-phase approach for out-of-hospital resuscitation from ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Although this model is not a new concept, it is largely based on the 2010 AHA Guidelines, enhancing the philosophy of the "CAB" concept (Chest compressions/Airway management/Breathing rescue).